[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 42 (Tuesday, April 12, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E609-E610]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO CAPTAIN SEAN GRIMES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOE KNOLLENBERG

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 12, 2005

  Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, today I join the people of the 9th 
Congressional District and the State of Michigan in honoring the 
passing of an American hero and patriot, Captain Sean Grimes, who lost 
his life in the line of duty in Iraq on March 4th. Captain Grimes was 
assigned to the U.S. Army's 1st Infantry Battalion, 9th Infantry 
Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team where he served with distinction as a 
Combat Medic. At the time of his passing, Sean Grimes was 31.
  A Bloomfield Hills native, Captain Grimes graduated from Lahser High 
School in Bloomfield Hills in 1991. Shortly after graduating

[[Page E610]]

from high school Sean enlisted in the Army Reserve serving as an 
enlisted man for four years. His love of the Army prompted him to 
enroll in the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) while pursuing a 
Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing at Michigan State University. In 
1997 he graduated from MSU and was commissioned as a Distinguished 
Military Graduate. His efforts and desire to provide the best medical 
care to soldiers led him to the Brooke Army Hospital at Fort Sam 
Houston in Texas in 2003, whereupon he graduated from the Army's 
Physician Assistant Course.
  Until the day of his death, Captain Grimes displayed a sense of 
service not only to his fellow soldiers, but to his fellow man, helping 
civilian Iraqis in need of medical care. We may never really know the 
full impact his selfless acts may have had on the lives of his fellow 
soldiers and civilians he came into contact with. But the manner and 
character in which he fulfilled his duties tells us that he indeed made 
a difference in the lives of others and that that difference was for 
the better. These efforts have been recognized by the Army through a 
variety of medals Captain Grimes received during his career, 
culminating in being awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart 
posthumously.
  Captain Sean Grimes exemplified what is best about the American 
soldier, devotion to duty above self, tireless dedication to his fellow 
soldiers and most importantly a driving desire to protect the freedoms 
we cherish so dearly. While he will certainly be missed most by his 
family, his sacrifice will not be forgotten. Captain Grimes paid the 
ultimate price both to protect the freedoms we exercise daily and to, 
bring those same freedoms to people who have never experienced true 
liberty. Today we honor his memory and may we never forget his 
sacrifice.

                          ____________________